Giveaway (US/Int): Tidbits and Legend Shenanigans by Karen Michelle Nutt
Please help me welcome Magic of the Loch author Karen Michelle Nutt!
The First Sighting
The first sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was in 565 AD by St. Columba. He saw the creature twice in that year. Too bad there weren’t camcorders or digital cameras. We only have the stories passed down from generation to generation as testimony to this sighting.
Fact or Fiction
We refer to the Monster as if it is the one and only creature in the Loch. However, there have been numerous sightings throughout the centuries. Since nothing can live that long—unless enchanted or cursed—it would make sense there is more than one creature. Loch Ness is deep, dark and mysterious. It’s not surprising the creatures can disappear for long periods of time.
Inspiration For Magic of the Loch
My story was inspired by the folklore about the Loch Ness Monster and the Legend of the Great Glen. There once was a well that was blessed by the Druid Daly in this Glen. The druid stated whoever drew water from the well must always replace its cover. A woman drawing the water from the well was told her child had fallen into the fire. She rushed home, forgetting to cover the well. The water from the well overflowed and flooded the glen. I combined the two legends and added my own twist to create the Magic of the Loch.
Fun Facts
*In 1934, Dr. Robert Kenneth Wilson from London claimed he had a photograph of the monster, but didn’t want his name associated with the photo. It was referred to as the “surgeon’s photograph”. Sixty years later it was revealed a hoax.
*In 1975, the Loch Ness Monster was give a more scientific name: Nessiteras Rhombopteryx. It was the public who shortened the named to Nessie.
*In 1976, an attempt to lure Nessie to the surface of the water was attempted. They threw bacon out of a hot air balloon and into the loch below. Nessie did not appear. Hmm…maybe the creature does not like bacon.
*September 3, 2001, Kevin Carlyon, the high priest of British white witches casts a spell on Nessie to protect her from harm. In 2006, the Scottish witches awarded Kevin Carlyon a lifetime title: Official Protector and High Priest of Loch Ness.
*Nessie is the most famous cryptid in the world. For a beast to qualify as a cryptid there needs to be evidence it exists. Sightings, folklore, or documents, are a must to prove the creature exists.
*Nessie is considered a monster, but the creature has not harmed a soul since 565 AD.
| Michaela Grant travels to Scotland for a holiday, knowing this vacation is her last. A medical condition threatens her life and any chance of a future—until she meets Alan MacLachlin, a man forced to exist between two worlds.
Alan is the legendary Loch Ness Monster. Once every fifty years he returns to human form in search of his soul mate, the one woman who can break his curse. He believes he has found forever with Michaela, but to claim it he must figure out how to save her life. Michaela and Alan vow to take what time has to offer, but another threat looms. A sinister shape shifter with a vendetta against Alan is making Loch Ness his personal hunting ground. Now he’s threatening Michaela. Alan must discover who the shifter is and stop him before it’s too late. |
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| Read the GraveTells review of Magic of the Loch here! | |
Read an excerpt
His touch felt so good, warm and gentle for such a large man. She found herself leaning into his palm. Kiss me. The thought whispered in her mind, but he somehow knew what she craved.
He took her mug from her hand and placed it on the table next to his as he leaned forward, his lips hovering over hers. “Just a taste. Aye?” His seductive whisper stroked over her mouth with the effect of a soft kiss.
His hand slipped to the nape of her neck, drawing her closer as he deepened the caress.
Heat spread through her, warming her from the inside out. He tasted of the sea, whiskey and sweet temptation. The more she indulged, the more she wanted. The thick beat of awareness ran through her blood, making her heart beat faster. Her hands cupped his face. His five o’clock shadow barely prickled her palm.
The kiss ended if only to take a breath, but he didn’t move away. His lips still hovered near hers as if to reclaim them again.
“I knew you’d be a good kisser.” Her voice a hoarse whisper, laced her words like an invitation for more.
His lips slid into a seductive curve. “Did ye now?”
She nodded her head, still a little breathless.
“This was a mistake, ye know.”
“It was?” She tried to move away, but he held her still.
“Shush. I only meant it was a mistake on my part to indulge with a promise of only one taste. I want so much more.” His mouth covered hers again, taking her under his spell.
About the author
| As a multi-published author, I spin tales for The Wild Rose Press, Highland Press, Published By RJV, Victory Tales Press, and Western Trail Blazers.
My new passion is creating book covers for Western Trail Blazers and Published by Rebecca J. Vickery. In my spare time, I review books for PNR-Paranormal Romance Reviews. |
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Whether your reading fancy is paranormal, historical or time travel, all my stories capture the rich array of emotions that accompany the most fabulous human phenomena—falling in love.
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Giveaway (US/Int)
I’m giving away an e-book copy from The Wild Rose Press to one lucky commenter. Formats available are: Adobe (pdf), Mobi Pocket (mobi), and ePub.
All you need to do is answer these two questions:
1st question: What cryptid monster intrigues you the most? It could be anything—Loch Ness Monster, Chupacbra, Big Foot, Yeti, Bunyip…
2nd question: Do you really believe this creature could exist?
Can’t wait to see if you’re the winner, purchase your own copy of Magic of the Loch here!
I would pick Big Foot as there have been sightings in my state. I think its possible as there are so many people say they see them. Thanks for the giveaway. Pretty book cover. Really enjoyed the excerpt.
Bigfoot– great choice.
I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt. The talented Rae Monet designed my book cover. I love it too! Thanks so much for coming by this morning. Good Luck with the contest.
1st question: What cryptid monster intrigues you the most?Loch Ness Monster 🙂
2nd question: Do you really believe this creature could exist? No
I’m glad you like ‘Nessie’. I’m intrigued, too. 🙂
Hehe. This book looks like its got all a gal like me needs 😉
1) Nessie is my favorite, it’s water based!
2) It’s a possibly. Sailors had tales of large monsters with tentacles that were thought of as myth. What do we discover when one dies and comes to shore? A giant squid! Also, the sea is vast and we have yet to discover much of it.
The ocean is indeed hold mysteries we have yet solved. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Fab premise and excerpt! Sounds intriguing.
As someone who has visited Nessie’s haunt regularly (the in-laws live up there), my fave beastie is of course, Nessie.
And yes, I’m convinced she (for Nessie is a she) exists. The loch is so dark and forbidding, there’s definitely something there, lurking in the depths. 😉
Good luck with your new release!
Nessie is a ‘lass’? Hmm… the beast was only given the nickname in the 70s by shortening the scientific name. So…Nessie could very well be male.
I would say Big Foot fascinates me the most. There have been so many sightings in different areas of the country.
I do believe that Big Foot is not a hoax or bear. People are seeing something. Whatever it is, it was sighted several times in my hometown by people that would not make up stories.
I like Nessie, too!
Phoenix Carvelli,
Not everyone could be mistaken. 🙂
1. Loch Ness Monster
2. Yes! I think there is something behind the myth.
This looks great, Karen!
Hi Lisa,
I’m so glad the book caught your interest. 🙂
I liked how you combined two legends to create your story, Karen. I know it’s going to be another terrific tale. Very interesting blog/
Of course, I must enter your contest so here goes…
1st question: What cryptid monster intrigues you the most? It could be anything—Loch Ness Monster, Chupacbra, Big Foot, Yeti, Bunyip…
I am completely fascinated by Big Foot. Recently, The Science Channel did a scientific investigation and came up with some of the scientists proclaiming Big Foot real, and the rest saying they weren’t sure because the data was incomplete. Even Jane Goodall known for her work with great apes, said that it was possible for Big Foot to exist because great apes were so good as hiding themselves that people could pass right by them and never know it.
2nd question: Do you really believe this creature could exist?
I used to be a total cynic, but after watching programs that showed videos, pictures, testimony from so many people of respectable reputations and scientific investigators, I am beginning to become a believer.
Sarah,
I love watching those investigating shows. Some footage is indeed impressive. Thanks so much for coming by. I’m thrilled Magic of the Loch caught your interest.
Mngwa- and I think there is something behind all the myths that are out there, some based more in reality than others. sdylion(at)gmail(dot)com
Sandy,
That’s what makes the legends so intriguing. Thanks for coming by. 🙂
1. The Loch ness monster.
2. Most definitely. There has to be something to all the sightings and stories.
[email protected]
Nessie she is a gentle creature.
Yes I do believe in her, I believe anyone, anything, is possible.
I love the myths and legends. So I do believe!
1. Loch Ness Monster
2. No
bn100,
Loch Ness– good choice.
No, you don’t believe the monster exists…. Well, I’ll have to convince you. lol Thanks for coming by.
I really don’t have a favorite – I enjoy hearing about them all. I think all things are possible and any or all could be true. I like the idea that there are things that we still aren’t sure about and the different conjectures are fascinating.
catslady5(at)aol.com
Catslady,
I like the idea that it could be possible. 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by. 🙂
1. that would be Nessie, of course.
2. Yes, of course I believe she exists. I am sooo disappointed that I haven’t seen her either of the two times I’ve been to visit. I still believe she exists.
Caroline,
Don’t give up hope yet. 🙂
1) Loch Ness Monster!
2) No.
Olga,
thanks so much for coming by. Good luck with the contest!
werewolves and yes i think they really could exist 🙂
Heather,
Werewolves– why not? 🙂
The one that fascinates me the most is one that is local to me The Beast of Bladenboro.Here is the link to an article on it if anyone is interested .Yes I do beleive some of these creatures could exist .Have a fantastic week.
Wanda,
I’ll have to look up the Beast of Bladenboro. I’ve never heard of this one. Thanks for coming by.
werewolves and yes i think they really could exist
Laurie,
I with you. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and sharing. 🙂
Thanks so much to Karen for being our guest and chatting with everyone so faithfully! Sorry for the late entrance on my part – super hectic month!!
Congrats to Phoenix C. on winning the ebook of Magic of the Loch and thanks to everyone who participated!